As Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, prepare for their decisive World Cup qualifier against Curaçao, the nation stands on the brink of history. A victory would mark Jamaica’s first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1998, reigniting memories of their historic qualification nearly three decades ago. Deon Burton, a key figure in that 1997 campaign, expressed confidence in the current squad, drawing parallels to the pressure and pride of his own era. Burton, who scored four goals in five matches during the 1997 qualifiers, was named Jamaica’s Sportsman of the Year and remains a symbol of the nation’s footballing legacy.
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Garvin Medera back at Digicel
In a strategic move to bolster regional leadership, Digicel has appointed Garvin Medera as the CEO of its Atlantic Region. The announcement, made on November 17, marks Medera’s return to the telecommunications giant, where he previously held key roles, including chairman of the Digicel Foundation TT and CEO of Digicel Play. Medera’s extensive experience, particularly his tenure as CEO of Caribbean Airlines (CAL), aligns with Digicel’s mission to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency across its markets. His leadership at CAL, which focused on operational profitability, digital modernization, and customer-centric strategies, is seen as a valuable asset for Digicel’s ongoing transformation. Marcelo Cataldo, Digicel’s Group CEO, praised Medera’s regional expertise and global vision, emphasizing his ability to drive the company’s next phase of growth. Medera expressed enthusiasm about rejoining Digicel, highlighting his commitment to fostering connectivity and service excellence. This appointment comes as Digicel undertakes significant restructuring efforts to address financial obligations, including the recent closure of its publishing and broadcasting arm, which impacted over 50 employees. Medera’s return signals Digicel’s focus on leveraging seasoned leadership to navigate its evolving landscape.
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PM reaffirms plan for massive economic overhaul
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has reaffirmed her government’s commitment to a sweeping economic transformation agenda, unveiling the Trinidad and Tobago Revitalisation Blueprint. Launched on November 6 at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, the plan aims to diversify the economy, attract foreign investment, and create over 50,000 jobs, with thousands already in the recruitment pipeline. In a recent post on her X platform, Persad-Bissessar highlighted that the first phase of the national recruitment drive is screening thousands of citizens to fill 20,000 public-sector positions. The blueprint is designed to open ‘the doors to the international corridors of capital,’ fostering investment, innovation, and new economic activity. Central to the initiative is a focus on efficiency, cost savings, and smarter governance, including decentralizing state functions and repurposing assets like the International Waterfront Complex. Persad-Bissessar emphasized that every dollar and asset will be optimized to ensure community-wide benefits. The plan also targets sustainable revenue generation, particularly through export-driven industries and deeper global economic integration. Addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges, such as inadequate drainage and traffic congestion, the blueprint incorporates climate-resilient designs and multimodal smart mobility systems. These systems integrate walking, biking, public transit, and personal vehicles to create a sustainable transport network. Renewable energy, green building standards, and inclusive public spaces will be integral to each project, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainability. Persad-Bissessar also outlined plans to collaborate with governments, international lenders, regional development institutions, and private investors, describing foreign investment as a ‘vital pillar’ of the transformation. She praised Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John for her efforts and noted the overwhelmingly positive public feedback. The Prime Minister concluded by inviting global investors to join Trinidad and Tobago’s journey toward a stronger future, directing the public to the government’s portal at ttglobalhub.gov.tt. The blueprint includes 129 construction projects to revamp key areas, such as the Port of Spain and San Fernando waterfronts, Invaders Bay, and the Queen’s Park Savannah. Additionally, prisons in Port of Spain, Golden Grove, and Carrera Island will be demolished and replaced with a justice center in Tamana, while the sites will be repurposed for cultural, housing, and luxury resort developments.
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Penal couple murdered in home invasion
In a harrowing incident that has shaken the community of Penal, Trinidad and Tobago, a married couple, Babita Vialva, 40, and Raffeak Vialva, 51, were fatally shot during a violent home invasion in the early hours of November 17. The tragedy unfolded at their residence on Penal Rock Road, where they were accompanied by their 19-year-old daughter at the time of the attack.
According to an eyewitness, who was preparing for work at the time, an unidentified man arrived at the couple’s home around 3 am in a vehicle. The assailant forcefully entered the premises by breaking down the front door. The witness recounted hearing three distinct gunshots, prompting them to retreat upstairs for safety.
Upon investigation, relatives discovered Babita deceased in the bedroom, while Raffeak was found critically injured in the corridor. Despite efforts to save him, Raffeak succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. The couple’s daughter, fortunately, remained unharmed and was comforted by friends and family outside the home.
Authorities are currently exploring the possibility that the attack was a botched robbery. However, family members, who chose to remain anonymous, suggested that the intruder may have left empty-handed, as there was no evidence of the home being ransacked. The investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of the Vialva couple.
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Smart-storage service opens to assist US embassy visitors
A groundbreaking smart-storage service, Embassy Lockers, has opened its doors on Shirley Street, offering a much-needed solution to a common frustration faced by US Embassy visitors. The brainchild of Gejonte Miller, the service was officially launched on Friday, with the support of Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell and Transport and Housing Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis. The idea for Embassy Lockers was conceived in December 2021 when Miller, accompanied by her five-year-old daughter, faced the dilemma of where to store her belongings during a visa appointment. Realizing that mobile phones, tablets, keys, and large bags were prohibited inside the Embassy, Miller found herself repeatedly returning to her car to hide her key. Witnessing others in similar predicaments, she recognized the need for a structured solution. Embassy Lockers now provides secure storage for personal items and large luggage, along with additional services such as printing, photocopying, scanning, emailing, passport photographs, and form assistance through an on-site Wi-Fi Copy Centre. The business operates on a cashless system, with a SunCash kiosk available for bill payments, mobile top-ups, and Western Union transfers. Miller partnered with Tanya Kemp-Sawyer, who has operated the Wi-Fi Copy Centre and The Visa Place for 15 years, to bring this vision to life. The launch of Embassy Lockers coincides with the opening of the new US Embassy across the street, further enhancing its accessibility. Minister Mitchell praised the facility for making the visa process more ‘humanising’ and for safeguarding important documents. Storage prices start at $14, and the business operates Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm.
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Rick Fox claps back at PLP suggestion he must mute himself during by-election
Former NBA star and Bahamian Ambassador at Large, Rick Fox, has vehemently rejected calls to remain silent on political matters, particularly during the Golden Isles by-election. In a recent Facebook post, Fox criticized those who argue that his ambassadorial role should restrict his commentary, pointing out the apparent double standard where another ambassador, Sebas Bastian, is openly endorsing a candidate while running for office himself. Fox emphasized that he serves the Bahamian people, not a political party, and questioned whether ambassadors are free to speak on national issues or are confined to party lines. He also dismissed suggestions that he should seek guidance on what he is ‘allowed’ to say, asserting that no one had ever informed him that his title came with restrictions on free expression. Fox’s comments come amid his critique of politicians who only act as ‘Action Heroes’ near elections, accusing them of neglecting infrastructure until polls approach. He also revealed that he was asked to endorse the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate, Darren Pickstock, but declined, citing a lack of familiarity with Pickstock’s leadership. Fox compared political rivalries to his days playing with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, noting that public clashes often mask private respect among leaders. He concluded by stating that he would not withhold his views out of fear, friendship, or family ties, and hinted at a potential entry into frontline politics.
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Haitian gang leader ‘Barbecue’ warns citizens to stay indoors
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Jimmy Chérizier, the notorious leader of the “Viv Ansanm” gang coalition, has issued a stark warning to residents of Haiti’s capital, urging them to remain indoors as his group prepares to engage in a violent confrontation with law enforcement. Known by his alias “Barbecue,” Chérizier released a video message on Sunday, demanding that the Haitian National Police (PNH) cancel all leave and vacations for officers immediately.
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Jamaica’s ‘Yaad Luv’ campaign wins City Nation Place Award for best communications strategy
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s innovative community-based tourism campaign, “Yaad Luv,” has been honored with the City Nation Place Award for Best Communication Strategy: Tourism. The prestigious accolade was presented in London, England, on November 6, 2025, as announced by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) in a recent press release.
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JPS Foundation brings light and hope to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on western Jamaica, the JPS Foundation has emerged as a beacon of hope, delivering essential aid to devastated communities in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. On November 6, 2025, the Foundation’s team, in collaboration with Food For The Poor Jamaica, visited the severely affected fishing villages of Scotts Cove and Bluefields. Their mission was to provide immediate relief through care packages containing food and personal care items, ice, and water, while also setting up charging stations to help residents reconnect with their families. Volunteers offered emotional support, listening to and encouraging those who had lost homes and livelihoods. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck on October 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction across Cornwall County and parts of Middlesex, displacing thousands and crippling infrastructure. Sophia Lewis, Head of the JPS Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to restoring not just power but also hope. She highlighted the resilience of the affected communities and the Foundation’s long-term dedication to sustainable recovery efforts. This initiative is part of a broader national relief campaign, with Food For The Poor managing logistics and community outreach to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable areas.
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Mbappe, PSG in counterclaims worth hundreds of millions
PARIS, France (AFP)—A high-stakes legal battle has erupted between French football star Kylian Mbappe and his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), with both parties filing multi-million euro claims against each other. Mbappe, now with Real Madrid, is seeking 263 million euros ($305 million) from PSG, alleging mistreatment and contractual disputes during his final months at the club. PSG, in turn, has countersued the 26-year-old forward for 240 million euros, citing financial losses from a failed 300 million euro transfer deal with Saudi club Al Hilal, which Mbappe rejected.
The dispute traces back to June 2023, when Mbappe filed a complaint against PSG, accusing the Qatari-owned club of sidelining him at the start of the 2023-24 season. He claims he was forced to train with players the club was looking to offload after he declined to renew his contract. This practice, which has affected other players, prompted the French players’ union to file a complaint last year.
Mbappe’s exclusion extended to PSG’s 2023 pre-season tour of Asia, and he missed the first game of the season. However, he was later reinstated following discussions with the club. After seven prolific seasons with PSG, where he scored 256 goals in 308 games, Mbappe joined Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer, reportedly earning an annual salary of 30 million euros. Interestingly, PSG won their first Champions League title last season after his departure.